Justice for Michael Brown

The NAACP mourns the shocking loss of Michael Brown. Our hearts are with his family, and all who were touched by his death.

We need answers on his shooting – answers the Ferguson and St. Louis County Police Departments seem disinterested in providing. But our efforts will continue unabated. We will seek and ultimately find the truth about Michael Brown’s killing.

Visit this page frequently for updates from Ferguson, and to find out what you can do to demand justice for Michael.

What You Can Do

Update from the Ground: Wednesday, september 11

After the St. Louis County Branch NAACP and activists demanded an independent board to review the Ferguson Police Department, the City Council gave its first reading of a bill creating a citzens’ review board that would monitor police activity. The proposal was created without the body holding a public meeting. Officials are calling for a stronger bill. The Council may vote on the measure Sept. 23.

Update from the Ground: Thursday, september 4

The Department of Justice is about to begin to actively reach into the Ferguson community for information that can be provided by Ferguson citizens about their relationship with the Ferguson police department and/or any encounters they have had with officers from that department in the past.

Update from the Ground: Wednesday, August 20

Later this evening, Harris-Stowe State University will host an educational summit, “A Community in Turmoil: How did we get here and how do we break the cycle?” The NAACP Missouri Youth and College Division will join a panel of experts and activists to discuss and define next steps towards positive systematic change. Full event details are below:

Update from the Ground: Monday, August 18

It has been nine days since Michael Brown was shot six times while unarmed, and local police have released few details on the circumstances of his killing. The FBI is now on the ground, and the NAACP is continuing to work with them to ensure a transparent investigation can occur.

Unfortunately, peaceful protests in Ferguson were once again met with militarized tactics over the weekend. Governor Nixon has declared a state of emergency, set a curfew in Ferguson, and mobilized the National Guard. While we universally condemn the small number of people involved with the civil unrest, we cannot and will not allow the actions of a few to trump the constitutional rights of all.

Yesterday, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the ACLU, and the Lawyers’ Committee For Civil Rights sent a joint letter to Governor Nixon concerning the curfew in Ferguson, which curtailed the the First Amendment rights of the Ferguson community. Today, Governor Nixon rescinded the curfew. You can read the letter we sent here.

Update from the Ground: Sunday, August 17

Later this evening, the Missouri NAACP Youth and College Division will host an event titled Truth Has NO Color. Guest speaker Judge Mathis will kick off the event, followed by a panel discussion. Full event details are below. Spread the word, and if you are in the area, make sure to attend this great event.

Update from the Ground: Saturday, August 16

Yesterday, police announced the name of the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown. With his identity revealed, the NAACP is continuing its work to see justice through in this case.

The NAACP remains actively engaged on the ground in Ferguson, Missouri, assisting the Brown family, and the community. Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis County branch of the NAACP, is an attorney who also handles criminal justice issues for the Missouri State Conference. He has been in contact with the family, and has helped them retain counsel.

Two national staff members who live in the area are also on the ground permanently. They, along with Mr. Pruitt, the local branches, the state conference, and the Missouri Youth and College Division are seeking answers on Michael Brown’s death. They remain in contact with federal investigators to ensure that a full, transparent investigation will take place, and are engaged in helping to ensure witnesses can come forward to be heard.

Update from the Ground: Friday, August 15

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Nixon put the Missouri Highway Patrol in charge of policing in Ferguson, Missouri. We were relieved to see peaceful protests–in Ferguson and all over the country–continue unabated last evening.

However, protestors NOT being shot with rubber bullets and tear gas, and members of the media NOT being arrested for reporting a story does not mean our work is over. A young black man was still gunned down by police while unarmed. This does not change our need for answers.

The Ferguson Police Department has released the name of the officer who shot Michael Brown, and we are continuing to work with the local NAACP branches, the Missouri State Conference, and the Missouri State Youth & College Division to seek answers to many critical questions.

Brave eyewitnesses are beginning to tell their story, and a disturbing picture of the events is being painted. We will make sure justice in this case is served.

Update from the Ground: Thursday, August 14

Yesterday, Adolphus Pruitt, vice president of the NAACP Missouri State Conference and president of the St. Louis city branch of the NAACP, spoke with Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster to express our outrage over the violent response by police in Ferguson. He also discussed the overall case, and the steps being taken to ensure justice for Michael is served. Today, the St. Louis branch will meet with Thomas Jackson, Chief of Police of the highly segregated Ferguson Police Department, to demand an end to the militarized tactics of his department in the Ferguson community.

What Happened

On Saturday, August 9th, Michael Brown was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri. The eighteen year old was unarmed. The community immediately rallied to demand justice and an investigation into the killing.

The NAACP has been on the ground, working with the St. Louis County branch and the Missouri State Chapter, and doing everything in our power to ensure this shooting is not swept under the rug.

It became clear very early on that the St. Louis County Police Department was dragging their feet in the case. Instead of collecting information, they confiscated cell phones and starting acting as an invading military. Instead of talking to witnesses and members of the community, they fired tear gas and rubber bullets at those seeking answers.

The NAACP petitioned the FBI to take up the case in Ferguson to ensure a full, unencumbered investigation into Michael Brown’s death would take place. We have been working with them to collect information and to provide a safe place for members of the community to come forward and be heard.

On Tuesday night, President Cornell William Brooks led a town hall in Ferguson with hundreds of members of the community. Instead of participating in the community event, the police blocked off portions of the street, forcing community members to walk to the event. More than 300 people attended and voiced their concerns and outrage over the shooting.